Centro works in partnership with bus operators, local authorities and other organisations to improve the quality of bus services in the West Midlands.

Buses provide 92% of public transport journeys in the West Midlands and account for nearly one million journeys a day. There are a number of operators, the largest being National Express West Midlands, which accounts for 82% of all journeys made. The Rotala and Arriva groups have also extended their interest in the region through the acquisition of smaller bus companies.

Centro subsidises 7% of bus services – paying operators more than £5m to run services which are not considered commercially viable, but are socially necessary.  We also fund free travel for all over-60s and disabled people, and half price travel for under 16's.

North Walsall Review

Partners Arriva Midlands, Centro, Midland, Midland Rider, National Express West Midlands and Walsall Council want your views on the current bus network in North Walsall to form part of a review of bus services in April 2010.  Visit www.networkwestmidlands.com/busreview for more details.

Centro cannot legally operate any of the socially necessary services, so when a need is identified competitive tenders are invited from bus operators who are registered on our approved tender list.

If you are a bus operator interested in bidding for a tender, please download the application form here.